DGCA Authorizes 63 Remote Pilot Training Organizations to Address Rising Demand for Skilled Drone Pilots, Check the List Here

In response to the escalating demand for proficient drone pilots due to the Indian government's heightened emphasis on integrating drones into agricultural practices, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has sanctioned a total of 63 Remote Pilot Training Organizations (RPTOs) across the country as of July 25, 2023.

The Indian government's proactive approach toward fostering the utilization of drones in various sectors, especially agriculture, has catalyzed the need for adequately trained drone pilots. To meet this demand, the DGCA has extended authorization to RPTOs, aiming to ensure the availability of skilled personnel who can competently operate drones for agricultural tasks.

Acknowledging the strategic importance of self-sufficiency and global competitiveness in drone technology, the Government of India implemented the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for drones and drone components. This scheme was designed to stimulate the domestic manufacturing of drones, rendering them self-reliant and internationally competitive.

To complement the PLI scheme and encourage the domestic drone manufacturing ecosystem, the Indian government enacted a policy on February 9, 2022, that prohibited the import of foreign drones while easing restrictions on drone component imports. These initiatives, coupled with the liberalized Drone Rules of 2021, have created an environment conducive to the extensive application of drones across sectors.

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Minister of State for Civil Aviation General VK Singh (Retd) underlined the positive repercussions of the combined measures, expressing confidence that the Indian drone industry would witness substantial growth and generate increased employment opportunities.

Since the introduction of the Drone Rules in 2021, the DGCA has approved 63 RPTOs to provide comprehensive drone training across the nation. This concerted effort has resulted in over 5500 individuals obtaining Remote Pilot Certificates (RPCs), attesting to the burgeoning interest and engagement in the drone sector.

Presently, the DGCA has registered a total of 10,010 drones with Unique Identification Numbers (UINs). Furthermore, the regulatory body has granted 25 type certificates for drone manufacturing within the country, further bolstering the local drone industry.

A significant stride toward harnessing drone technology for agricultural advancement was marked by the release of standard operating procedures on December 21, 2021. These procedures provided guidelines for employing drones in agricultural activities such as pesticide spraying for crop protection and the dissemination of soil and crop nutrients.

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Detailed RPTO list state wise 

As India's drone ecosystem gains momentum through a combination of regulatory measures, training initiatives, and practical applications, the nation's path toward achieving agricultural excellence and technological self-reliance seems increasingly promising.

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